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Real change happens when everyone involved is motivated. Our Healthier Generation Benefit aims to serve as the primary motivator in the professional healthcare industry. We have convened national medical associations, leading insurers, and employers to offer comprehensive health benefits to children and families for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

To create a sustainable system for health, the benefit is designed to get children the preventative guidance and treatment they need to live healthily and reimburse doctors and registered dietitians for their services. Covered youth have access to at least four follow-up visits with his or her primary care provider and four visits with a registered dietitian.

This is the first time a group of organizations is working together to ensure children get the insurance coverage they need to prevent childhood overweight and the first time particular outcomes will be monitored to ensure the benefits are being used. By working together, doctors and registered dietitians can help children and their families adopt healthier lifestyle habits.

What Employers and Insurers are Participating

We are collaborating with some of the nation’s leading employers and insurance companies to offer the Healthier Generation Benefit to consumers. With access to the benefit, families are able to work with their primary care physicians and registered dietitians to achieve lifelong health.

National Medical Associations

In addition to working with insurance companies and employers, the Alliance works with both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to educate healthcare professionals about the Healthier Generation Benefit.

Why Are Visits with a Registered Dietitian Important?

Healthcare professionals such as doctors and registered dietitians have specific training about working with families on establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. Specifically, Registered Dietitians provide in-depth nutritional counseling that can be instrumental in changing the diet and physical activity patterns of children and families.

Registered Dietitians (RDs) have completed academic and experience requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' credentialing agency, including a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and an accredited pre-professional experience program. RDs must successfully complete a rigorous professional level exam and must maintain ongoing continuing education to maintain their credential. Some RDs hold advanced degrees and additional certifications in specialized areas of practice.

Webinars and Tools for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers can be an active part in the solution to the obesity epidemic by providing children with primary care visits, and visits to registered dietitians as part of the Healthier Generation Benefit. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly called the American Dietetic Association) are collaborating to help clinicians provide education, improve care coordination, offer resources to eligible families, and help with recruitment of medical professionals.